At 59, former public health analyst, after being furloughed from the federal government I’m diving into something new — business intelligence training.

15 Comments

1. AnonymousOctober 26,2025 at 1:37PM UTC

   First of all congratulations on your new journey. You've earned so many other skills employers are looking for. While searching focus on that and not years or tenure because ageism is real.

2. Mira HornbeakOctober 30,2025 at 7:05PM UTC

   Thank you for understanding! That is my one hesitancy as I pursue my certification. As a woman I’ve fought bigger battles and climbed higher mountains, I just have to remind myself how great it is to still be competing!

3. GirlBossanova934974October 27,2025 at 1:01PM UTC

   Your future success will depend upon 2 major factors. A) What is your education? aka do you have a STATS or Operations Research degree or something like that? B) What sorts of software skills do you have? Are you proficient in SQL, PowerBI, Tableau, SAS, SPSS, Python or stuff like that? Healfhcare companies these days are looking for BI folks and data analysts and many just want to hire folks specific health care industry backgrounds.

4. Mira HornbeakOctober 30,2025 at 7:02PM UTC

   I’ve a former public health analyst with a Master’s degree and almost 23 years of public health, policy and formulation experience. When I wrote I’m pivoting into a new field, I would hope that it was implied that I’ve done my research. Perhaps I should have shared that I’m obtaining my BI certification which included a certification in Tableu, experience in Phyton and SQL (both of which I have hands on experience utilizing). My question wasn’t so much as to the ability in the field but my age in terms of competing with younger workers in the field.

5. AnonymousNovember 3,2025 at 2:17PM UTC

   It's a really difficult field to find a job in now, despite all the hype. I'm not a 22 year old new grad either and am finding it difficult.

6. Mira HornbeakNovember 5,2025 at 3:36PM UTC

   Thank you, your response is very real and valid! It's a tough job market. I'm hoping a certification or two, along with my experience will give me a ledge up.

   Good luck to you as well. Brighter days are coming.

7. BarbaraOctober 27,2025 at 3:27PM UTC

   I think the first challenge is finding where the jobs are and then actually getting the job. I’m assuming there are networks you could join in this field and go for it! Sounds exciting. Keep us posted.

8. Mira HornbeakOctober 30,2025 at 7:06PM UTC

   Barbara the jobs are plentiful as I’m in a Metropolitan city and not afraid to travel. My greatest concern is ageism, my one hesitancy!

9. AnonymousNovember 1,2025 at 8:14PM UTC

   I don’t know. Ageism seems to be an illusion. For many jobs hiring older folks is preferred. I know several hiring managers looking for people in their 60s due to work ethic maturity savvy and experience. Some work cultures don’t want us and I don’t want to try and fit in. So don’t let that stop you. You have a super attitude

10. AnonymousOctober 27,2025 at 5:53PM UTC

    Good for you for taking the initiative upon the reduction to better yourself and make a pivot into something new and wonderful. My best suggestion to you is to find the types of companies that you are targeting and learn what technical tools they are using and get either trained or certified into those categories. Most vendors will have baked in training if you purchase a license (which can be expensive) but as an alternative see if your community college offers short term courses or online ones to gain that knowledge. Later in life only matters if you don't show up with the vigor of someone ready to work, as that is when ageism rears it's ugly head. You got this sister, take it by the horns and move to the next exciting chapter!

11. mihixlew@gmail.comOctober 30,2025 at 5:53PM UTC

    Thank you for the support. I’m enrolled to earn two certifications (Excel and Tableau) which is generally required and expected to obtain a position. My only doubt is the expectation of being able to compete with the younger learners. I’m sure my professional experience and leadership will provide some form of leverage or so I hope.

12. AnonymousNovember 3,2025 at 6:07PM UTC

    OP Above: also get certifications with Power BI and Looker if you can. Especially Looker which is a widely used tool. As for being able to compete with younger learners, forget about that! Any company would be lucky to get a mature thinker who will think long term and not knee jerk about doing their job well. Everyone learns differently so show them why experience matters more than anything!

13. Monique LewisOctober 29,2025 at 12:20PM UTC

    I’d love to connect and chat with you! I have some resources and ideas that can help you!

14. mihixlew@gmail.comOctober 30,2025 at 5:39PM UTC

    I would love to connect with you Monique.

15. Mira HornbeakOctober 30,2025 at 7:07PM UTC

    Monique I’m open to connecting and made an attempt to do so on this platform. Should I try another method?